Lightnin’ Hopkins – Soul Blues Vinyl LP

This edition of Lightnin’ Hopkins Soul Blues wraps up the remarkable series of 25 stereo reissues from Analogue Productions. Out of the 50 titles in this collection, 49 were expertly mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio using the original analog tape. For this particular album, Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound created a 24/192K high-resolution file from a fresh needle drop of a pristine original LP. The original tape, unfortunately, was lost back in the early 1970s, making this reissue even more special.

Smith’s meticulous process involved eliminating any remaining tics and pops from the needle drop, resulting in a beautifully refined sound for both LP and SACD formats. Chad Kassem, the CEO of Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions, praised the outcome, stating, “Now that the tape is lost, an original LP copy is now the master.” This vinyl is a true gem for collectors, as it captures the essence of the original stereo release, despite its sound resembling mono.

A legendary figure in the blues genre, Lightnin’ Hopkins was renowned for his captivating storytelling, often weaving tall tales right in the studio. The album opens with the enchanting track “I’m Going to Build Me a Heaven of My Own,” featuring an encounter with a bearded man claiming to be Jesus. Additionally, Hopkins puts his unique spin on classics like Willie Dixon’s “My Babe” and Smokey Hogg’s “Too Many Drivers.” This soul blues record is a must for any serious blues vinyl collector.